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Fracking debate

MPs are meeting to discuss proposals to extract shale gas from sites across the region. Fracking uses high powered jets of water to release underground gas reserves. But opponents say its still unclear how much damage the process could cause.

Tax breaks for fracking companies

Fracking tests have provoked protests Credit: PA

George Osborne has unveiled tax breaks for controversial fracking in a bid to create the "most generous" regime for shale gas in the world. It will reduce the tax on the income from shale production from 62% to 30%. The process uses high pressure liquid to fracture rock and release the gas.